Boston City Councilor Mike Ross (who happens to be a Newton native) is proposing a new rule that that would require banks to go before the zoning board for permission to open new branches, Universal Hub reports.
Should Newton consider something similar?
NO!!!
Alderman Vickie Danberg has been concerned about this issue for years. An item that she filed is currently before the Zoning and Planning Committee of the Board.
Block banking. Pizza obviously has a better career path. Chips?
Alderman Yates has piqued my curiosity. I’d appreciate anyone with knowledge of Alderman Danberg’s proposal, posting the gist of it here. I seriously hope it’s not a proposal that would limit the rights of commercial landlords to lease space to banks.
The last I heard, which is undoubtedly less current than what Brian will have, Vicki was proposing a zoning restriction against bank offices on the first floor of buildings in village centers. Obviously, it would not apply to already open bank offices.
The Boston proposal, as I understand it, does not prevent banks from opening along, say, Charles Street, just requires them to clear an additional zoning approval. Not clear of the criteria.